198 DORM MOMS Residence life coordinators work together to create a welcoming environment for students. The Harding University residence life coordinators (RLCs) worked to make the 2020-21 school year as comfortable as possible for their residents. COVID-19 added many restrictions on campus, including dorm life, and it didn’t go unnoticed by the RLCs. Emily Myers, the RLC of Armstrong Hall, said that COVID-19 made building the Harding community more challenging. “It makes building community very difficult.” Myers said.“Harding offers a culture of a special community. When masks, social distancing and rules on who can come into the dorm are in place it does not foster the community we all desire to have.” Making connections with students was emphasized by the RLCs. Jana Willis, RLC for Cathcart, said that her children enjoyed getting to know the students and even called them their “roommates.” Willis said that COVID-19 made forming close relationships more difficult. “I don’t believe we were made to live under these tough restrictions,” Willis said. “It’s hard to develop relationships while social distancing. It is sad to me knowing what life was like in the dorm and on campus before COVID, and what it has to be now.” The RLCs collaborated to try and maintain normal and positive living environments. Retha Robinson, Cone Hall RLC, said that the RLCs conducted meetings with one another to discuss how to do this. “We have meetings where we can share ideas on ways to encourage our residents, whether it is picking up meals for them during quarantine or just a friendly greeting or wave when we see them,” Robinson said. Despite the difficulties many of the RLCs faced, they talked about how much they enjoy their work. “It is a very fulfilling opportunity to get to know the students and hear all the laughter in the dorm, hearing their success stories or lending a sympathetic ear when needed,” Robinson said. “It is a great opportunity to serve others.” story by Grace Hurt Who Let the MOMS Out?
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